SFD Alumni Bowl Report

Nine former SFD Football alums are participating in College Football Bowl Games, starting today (12/17 with Ty Van Fossen ‘18 and Jonathan Thompson ‘22, linebackers for Cincinnati in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl.

See below for the complete list of former Stallions participating this Bowl Season.

Ty Van Fossen ‘18 (Photo credit: GoBearcats.com)

Wasabi Fenway Bowl, December 17, 11AM
Cincinnati vs. Louisville

SFD Alumni: University of Cincinnati - Ty Van Fossen ‘18, Linebacker; Jonathan Thompson ‘22 - Linebacker

Van Fossen’s Cincinnati Bio

Season notes: The 6-2, 222 pound redshirt senior linebacker is second on the team with 71 tackles. For his career, Ty has appeared in 50 games for the Bearcats and has recorded 181 tackles.


Photo credit: GoBearcats.com

Thompson’s Cincinnati Bio

Season notes: Thompson is redshirting this season for UC.

Photo credit: GoBearcats.com


(Photo by Brad Fedie/247 Sports)

Guaranteed Rate Bowl, December 27, 10:15 AM
Wisconsin vs. Oklahomas State

SFD Alumni: University of Wisconsin - Rodas Johnson ‘19, defensive lineman, Luke Fickell ‘92, Head Coach

Johnson’s Wisconsin Bio

Season notes: The 6-2, 293 pound redshirt junior defensive lineman recorded 22 tackles with six for a loss. For his career, the former Stallion has played in 30 games for the Badgers

(photo by Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Fickell’s Wisconsin Bio

Season notes: Luke Fickell was named the University of Wisconsin football's 31st head coach on Nov. 27, 2022.


Photo by Dan Owen / 247 Sports

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, December 29, 2PM
Minnesota vs. Syracuse

SFD Alumnus: University of Minnesota - Paul Haynes ‘87, Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach

Haynes’ Minnesota Bio

Season notes: Coach Haynes is in his third season with the Golden Gophers and his 30th overall in coaching. Minnesota is currently fifth in the nation in total yards allowed at 279.5 per game.


Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, December 30, 4:30 PM
Ohio vs Wyoming

SFD Alumnus: Ohio University - Quintell Quinn, Running Back

Quinn’s Ohio Bio

Quinn’s Season notes: Quinn, a redshirt freshmen running back, has appeared in seven games this year for the Bobcats and has recorded three tackles.


Photo Credit: Penn State Athletics

Rose Bowl Game, January 2, 5PM
Penn State vs. Utah

SFD Alumnus: Penn State University - Chris Stoll ‘17, Long Snapper

Stoll’s Penn State Bio

Season notes: Stoll was named the 2022 recipient of the Patrick Mannelly award, which is given annually to the nation’s top long snapper.

Stoll, a captain, is in his fourth season as the primary long snapper for Penn State and has appeared in 47 career games for the Nittany Lions.

Photo credit: PSU Athletics


Photo Credit: MGoBlue.Com

CFP semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, December 31, 4PM
Michigan vs. TCU

SFD Alumnus: University of Michigan - Joey Velazquez ‘19, Linebacker

Photo Credit: MGoBlue.com

Velazquez’s Michigan Bio

Season notes: The 6-foot, 225 pound senior linebacker has appeared in 11 games this season for the Wolverines and has recorded seven tackles. Velazquez, a member of the Michigan Baseball Team, hit .277 this past season for the Big Ten Champions


CFP semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, 8PM
Ohio State vs. Georgia

SFD Alumnus: Ohio State University - Joey Lyberger ‘12, Defensive Assistant

Lyberger’s Ohio State Bio

Season notes: Coach Lyberger enters his second season as a member of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. He is a program assistant on the defensive side of the ball, working with linebackers.

Photo Credit: OhioStateBuckeyes.com


NCAA PLAYOFFS - COMPLETED SEASONS

DIVISION-II PLAYOFFS

SFD Alumnus: Grand Valley State University - Jordan Johnson ‘21, Receiver

Johnson’s Grand Valley Bio

Results: Ferris State 24, Grand Valley 21, NCAA Quarterfinal

Season Notes: Johnson, a redshirt freshman receiver, made four receptions for 80 yards for the Lakers, who finished 12-1 overall

Photo Credit: GVSULakers.com


DIVISION-III PLAYOFFS

SFD Alumni: Mount Union College - Whit Hobgood ‘22, Quarterback; Randy Tawiah ‘20, Kicker

Hobgood’s Mount Union Bio

Results: North Central 28, Mount Union 21, National Championship Game

Season Notes: Hobgood, a freshman, did not play in 2022

Photo credit: Mount Union Athletics

Tawiah’s Mount Union Bio

Season Notes: Tawiah, a junior, had one kickoff for 47 yards against Wilmington


Chris Stoll '17 wins the Patrick Mannelly Award.

Photo credit: PSU Football

SFD alumnus and Penn State redshirt senior Chris Stoll ‘17 was named the 2022 recipient of the Patrick Mannelly award, which is given annually to the nation’s top long snapper.

Stoll is in his fourth season as the primary long snapper for Penn State and has appeared in 47 career games for the Nittany Lions. He chose Penn State as a preferred walk-on and prior to the 2020 season, he was awarded a full scholarship.

The three-time Dean’s List selection, is also on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team watch list after serving as the President of Penn State’s Uplifting Athletes, a chapter that has raised nearly 1.4 million dollars for kidney cancer treatment and research since the first Penn State Lift for Life was held in 2003.

The former Stallion has served as a captain this year for Penn State (10-2), who will compete in the Rose Bowl on January 2nd against Utah.

Courtesy of the USA Today

Cameron Gwinn Named First Team All-Ohio

DeSales junior defensive lineman Cameron Gwinn was named First Team All-Ohio by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. The 6-foot-2, 240 pounder recorded 83 tackles with 25 for a loss and led the team with seven sacks. Gwinn is the first Stallion defensive lineman to earn first team honors since Travis Jackson in 2009.

Junior linebacker Max Shulaw was named Third Team All-Ohio for the second straight season after finishing second on the team with 91 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Asher Hayles was recognized as Honorable Mention All-Ohio. Hayles led the team with 27 tackles for a loss.

This Date in SFD Football History - 11/4/77

DeSales running back Greg Diehl (pictured, #34) rushed for three touchdowns in a 28-0 win against St. Charles and became the second Stallion to surpass 1,000 yards rushing for a season! DeSales scored in each quarter, and as a result, helped first-year Head Coach Tony Pusateri clinch a winning season. Diehl joined Brian Hairston in the 1,000-yard rushing club. Hairston rushed for 1,000 yards in 1973 and 1974. Since then, a DeSales player has reached the 1,000-yard plateau 27 times. Click here for the entire list.

Max Shulaw and Cameron Gwinn Earn First Team All-Central District Honors

A pair of Stallion defenders picked up Division-II First Team All-Central District honors today (11/2) and another was named to the Second Team. Junior linebacker Max Shulaw and junior defensive lineman Cameron Gwinn were recognized as first team selections, while senior defensive lineman Asher Hayles was second team.

Shulaw, who was named First Team All-District last year, has recorded 82 tackles with 18 for a loss in 2022. Gwinn has 23 tackles for a loss and 77 tackles to go with five sacks. Hayles leads the team in tackles for a loss (27) and sacks (6).

Seamus Bonte, Omarion Conte, Ty Neubert, and Isaac Pekarcik were recognized as Special Mention All-District. Gabe Caruso and Jonathan Mass were Honorable Mention All-District.

DeSales 21, Dover 20 2OT

DeSales outlasted Dover in double overtime to win a Division-II Region 7 First Round Playoff game, the 61st postseason victory in program history. Sophomore quarterback PJ Noles connected with Niko Kruezer from 20 yards out in the second OT and Joey Bangert, who converted two field goals in regulation, gave the Stallions a 21-14 lead. On the ensuing possession, Dover scored, but opted to go for two and the Purple and White defense denied Tornado running back JJ Barton the end zone to win it.

Gabe Caruso rushed for 101 yards and had an touchdown in the first overtime to cut the Dover lead to 14-12. PJ Noles ran for a two-point conversion to tie the game at 14 and force a second overtime.

With the win, DeSales improved to 16-1 all-time in playoff games in Alumni Stadium, and advanced to the Regional Quarterfinal, where they’ll play two seed Uniontown Lake (10-1).

The Stallions advance to play the number two seed, Uniontown Lake, next Friday on the road.

DeSales (7) set to host Dover (10) in a First Round OHSAA Playoff Game

For the 29th time in school history, DeSales (6-4) has qualified for the OHSAA State Playoffs. The Stallions, the seven seed in Division-II Region 7, will host Dover (10 seed) on Friday, October 28 at 7PM in Alumni Stadium. It’s a rematch of a week seven regular season game at Dover, where the Stallions edged the Tornadoes 23-16 in triple overtime (BOX SCORE).

Friday marks the 86th playoff game for DeSales, who enters with a record of 60-25, with 22 of those wins coming under Ryan Wiggins. The Stallions rank eighth all-time in playoff wins in Ohio history. Dover (5-5) is making their 24th playoff appearance and 21st under 28-year Head Coach Dan Ifft.

This will be the third time the two programs will meet in the postseason. The Stallions beat Dover 30-10 in a 2000 Regional Quarterfinal in Alumni Stadium. DeSales Quarterback Tony Borghese threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 88 yards. DeSales returned the favor in 2014 by traveling to Dover for a First Round Playoff Game and despite being the lower seed, the Stallions beat the Tornadoes 31-14. In that Division-III Region 9 matchup, the Purple and White rushed for 454 yards, led by quarterback Josh DeLozier’s 216 yards and three touchdowns.

Listen live to the fourth meeting between DeSales and Dover, starting at 6:45 PM with the pregame show, followed by kickoff at 7:00 PM!

Where Are They Now? - William Keuchler '06

Week 10
William
KEUCHLER

2003-2006

The final edition of "Where Are They Now" for the 2022 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is William Keuchler ‘06!

A former Stallion, who lettered nine times at SFD, including two in football, where he was a member of the 2005 Division-III State Runner-up Team. He was a three-time CCL Champion hurdler in Track and was a two-time State Qualifier in Wrestling. After DeSales, William went on to play football at Air Force, where he earned three letters for the Falcons and was also a member of the USAF Boxing Team.

These days, William resides in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife Linde and their two children Zora and Alma. William is an active duty Air Force Officer, specifically Aircraft Maintenance logistics and Foreign Affairs. Currently he works at AFCENT (Air Force HQ over the Middle East) as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer of logistics.

Here the former Stallion talks about how his days as a Stallion help get him ready for his life in the Air Force…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring this series once again! 

Varsity Football set to host Dohn Community High School (10/14)

The St. Francis DeSales Varsity Football Team has filled its Week 9 opening and will host Dohn Community High School from Cincinnati on Friday, October 14. Dohn Community High School is a charter school and the game will not count as an official OHSAA computer points game.

There will be no broadcast on Pouring Purple this week, but the game can be streamed live via the NFHS Network.

Pouring Purple will return for the conclusion of the regular season, when the Stallions host Columbus St. Charles on October 21.

This Date in SFD Football History (10/7/72)

This Date in SFD Football History - today we go back 50 years to October 7, 1972! The Stallions rallied from down 22-7 and scored the game’s final 17 points in a 24-22 win over Bishop Hartley. The Stallions blocked a punt and Michael Cua returned it 35 yards for the eventual game-winning touchdown with 1:42 remaining.

Joe Trout (13 yards) and Jim Winans (4 yards) each had rushing touchdowns in the first half for DeSales, in a game in which there were no offensive scoring in the second half.

(Pictured: the program from the 1972 game)

Where Are They Now? - Dion Keaton '09

Week 8
Dion
KEATON

Defensive Back
2005-2009

The 8th edition of "Where Are They Now" for the 2022 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is Dion Keaton ‘09!

A starting corner on the 2008 Division-II Regional Championship team who went on to play at Ashland University.

Here the former Stallion talks about his playing days at SFD…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring this series once again! 

DeSales 23, Dover 16 3OT

The Stallions outlasted Dover in three overtimes 23-16 to improve to 4-3 overall. Gabe Caruso had 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the eventual game winner in the third overtime. After being held to 16 yards of offense in the first half, the game was tied at 6, thanks to an interception return for a touchdown by Isaac Pekarcik.

This Date in SFD Football History (9/30/16)

This is the first time that I've used the same season in consecutive weeks, but that's how dominating the 32-8 win over Bishop Watterson was in 2016. Alonzo Booth did Alonzo Booth things, with 208 yards rushing and two touchdowns, but the defense held the Eagles to -7 yards of offense, prior to their late scoring drive. Cincinnati linebacker Ty Van Fossen had two safeties as the Eagles finished with -16 yards rushing. Brian Asamoah and Cole Silvestri each had rushing touchdowns as Coach Wiggins improved to 10-3 against Watterson.

Where Are They Now? - Santino Cua '11

Week 7
Santino
CUA

Offensive Lineman / Linebacker
2007-2010

The seventh edition of "Where Are They Now" for the 2022 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is Santino Cua ‘11!

Another week, another Stallion now in the field of medicine! Dr. Cua is in his first year of Neurosurgical residency at Ohio State University. Before that, he was an All-Big Ten Rugby Forward for the Buckeyes after playing college football at Davidson for a year. While at DeSales, Santino was a Third Team All-Ohio performer for the Stallions and was a two-way player. He was also a starter on the offensive line on the 2009 Division-III State Runner-up Team

Here, Dr. Cua reflects on his playing days at DeSales…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring this series once again! 

Cua (53) set to snap the ball against Cardinal Mooney in a regular season game in 2009

DeSales 7, Bishop Harley 2, final.

Junior corner Elijah Charles’ second interception of the game clinched a 7-2 win for the Stallions in the CCL opener against Bishop Hartley (2-4). Gabe Caruso’s fourth quarter touchdown with 10:14 remaining, ended up being the difference. On the game’s lone scoring drive, sophomore quarterback PJ Noles, in his first start, connected with Caruso 63 yards on a third down and 14 conversion.

This Date in SFD Football History (9/23/16)

Today we go back to September 23, 2016.  Senior running back Alonzo Booth set a school-record with 320 rushing yards in a 49-17 win over Covington Catholic.  Booth also scored five times and the Stallion Defense forced five touchdowns, highlighted by highlighted by Jared Noble's 104-yard interception return for a touchdown.  Brian Asamoah had a 15 yard score and Ryan Corkrean recovered two fumbles.  It was the sixth win over Covington Catholic in six games.

Where Are They Now? - Griff Saunders '14

Week 6
Griff
SAUNDERS

Linebacker
2010-2014

The sixth edition of "Where Are They Now" for the 2022 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is Griff Saunders ‘14!

Griff was a three-year letter-winner for the Stallions who went on to play at Bowling Green State University.

These days, he goes by Dr. Saunders, as he is an Emergency Medicine Resident Physician at Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix.

Here, Dr. Saunders reflects on his playing days at DeSales…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring this series once again!